Step 3: Choose a Theme

Next, you can choose a theme for your character, which represents a core aspect of her background and motivations. A theme can help express your character’s approach to adventuring—whether she’s a bounty hunter, a scholar, or the embodiment of another classic adventuring trope. In addition to reflecting a certain background, a theme provides benefits to an appropriate skill or skills at 1st level and also grants 1 extra point to a specific ability score—you’ll finalize your ability scores during Step 5. Starfinder’s character themes are summarized in the sidebar above, and presented in detail starting on page 28 along with the rules for being themeless.

RACES

Android: Artificial people with mechanical components, formerly built as servants but now recognized as citizens. (Page 42) Human: Extremely versatile and adaptable race that’s constantly expanding and exploring. (Page 44) Kasatha: Four-armed race from a distant desert world with a highly traditional culture. (Page 46) Lashunta: Charismatic and telepathic race of scholars with two subspecies: one tall and lean, the other short and muscular. (Page 48) Shirren: Insectile race that broke away from a locustlike hive, community-minded but addicted to individual choice. (Page 50) Vesk: Warlike reptilian race that recently declared a truce with the others—for now. (Page 52) Ysoki: Also called “ratfolk,” these short, furry scavengers make up for their short size with big personalities. (Page 54)

THEMES

Ace Pilot: Skillful operator of starships and other vehicles who is obsessed with all related knowledge and lore. (Page 29) Bounty Hunter: Unstoppable tracker who knows how to stay hot on the trail of those who flee. (Page 30) Icon: Popular and respected celebrity who can leverage the public’s adoration for specific needs. (Page 31) Mercenary: Well-trained soldier of fortune who can work equally well as a combat grunt or a squad leader. (Page 32) Outlaw: Wanted criminal with back-alley connections to black markets and associates who can fend off legal trouble. (Page 33) Priest: Dedicated and knowledgeable adherent to a philosophy or religion who commands clout among other followers. (Page 34) Scholar: Skilled researcher and cutting-edge thinker with a broad base of knowledge and a thirst to expand it. (Page 35) Spacefarer: Restless explorer who has strong intuition and has collected deep knowledge about alien biology and topology. (Page 36) Xenoseeker: Guru of alien life-forms who finds that meeting them is one of life’s most rewarding accomplishments. (Page 37) Themeless: One who doesn’t fit into any niche above but forges a personal path of determination and training. (Page 28)

CLASSES

Envoy: Charismatic people person good at a wide range of skills who inspires allies to accomplish great heroic feats. (Page 60) Mechanic: Master of machines and technology whose tinkering produces a drone companion or a powerful brain implant. (Page 68) Mystic: Magic user whose mysterious connection to a powerful force grants abilities that break the laws of the universe. (Page 82) Operative: Stealthy combatant with wide-ranging know-how who is adept at taking advantage of unprepared foes. (Page 92) Solarian: Disciplined warrior whose mastery of the stars grants either a weapon or armor made of stellar power. (Page 100) Soldier: Expert with a huge range of armor, guns, and melee weapons who specializes in certain types of gear. (Page 110) Technomancer: Magic user who is preternaturally attuned to technology and can use it to unlock powerful effects. (Page 118)

CHARACTER SHEET

Write your character’s theme at the top of your character sheet and
record any bonuses it grants to skills. For now, note the point it adds
to an ability score in the margin next to that ability score (you’ll need
this during Step 5!).